How long do I have to file a claim for a truck accident in Maryland?

Filing an Insurance Claim for a Truck Accident in Maryland

It's important to remember that filing a lawsuit is not your first step after a truck accident. In fact, it’s the last resort in most truck accident cases. Your first step is to file a claim against the insurer of the at-fault driver for your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, you might then have to file a personal injury claim to collect reasonable compensation. To determine a reasonable settlement amount, however, you must have some idea of what your total medical expenses will be, and you probably won’t know this until you recover.

How an Experienced Truck Crash Lawyer Can Help

Work with your doctors to determine your long-term medical expenses

Put a dollar amount on your pain and suffering to evaluate your case accurately

Make a reasonable demand for compensation from all liable parties

Negotiate with the insurer(s) to get a fair settlement

File a lawsuit(s) if negotiation is not successful

The steps in the insurance claim process might take some time, especially in a truck accident case because your injuries could be severe, your recovery time could be long, and there could be multiple parties liable for your damages, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck maintenance personnel, or cargo loaders. There might also be a product liability claim if your crash was caused by defective equipment on the truck that hit you.

Because this process could drag on for more than a year, you want to start it as early as possible, so you still have time to file a lawsuit, if necessary, before the statute of limitations runs out. An experienced attorney can expedite this process and get it done more quickly than you could on your own, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. Starting the claims process right away also allows your lawyer to gather evidence such as data from the truck’s “black box” recorder while it’s still available and interview any witnesses to the crash while their memories are still fresh.

Exceptions to the Three-Year Statute of Limitations

According to our experienced Maryland truck crash attorney, there are circumstances under which the statute of limitations might “toll” or pause. If you’re a minor when you’re injured in a truck crash, the statute will toll until you turn 18. If you’re temporarily mentally incapacitated due to the accident, the statute could toll until you’re deemed competent again. If, for some reason, you’re not aware of your injuries immediately after the truck accident, the statute could toll until you’re diagnosed or somehow become aware that you’ve been hurt in the crash. In such cases, it’s vital to have an attorney on your side to handle your case while you’re unable to act on your own behalf.

Help Your Attorney to Help You

If you’re physically able to do so, there are steps you should take immediately after your accident to protect your health and your settlement or personal injury lawsuit.

How You Can Help Your Case

Stay at the scene and move to a safe area.
Call 911 to report your accident.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the at-fault driver, but do not discuss the accident or argue about it.
Get contact information from any witnesses to the crash.
Note the presence of any nearby security cameras that might have footage of the wreck.
Take photos of all vehicles involved in the crash, as well as skid marks and other evidence at the scene.
When police arrive, give the basic information they require to make an official report, but don’t elaborate or volunteer further information.
Don’t admit any fault for the wreck or apologize to anyone.
Notify your insurance company of the accident.
Consult a truck accident attorney.

According to our experienced truck crash lawyer in Maryland, making these steps will strengthen your case and give your team the best chance to start the claims process in a timely manner and help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.

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Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Maryland Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are not like other types of motor vehicle accidents; they often involve commercial defendants, multiple insurance policies, and significant damages. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need a dedicated truck accident attorney to help resolve your claim for its full, fair value.

Our seasoned staff of truck accident experts stand ready to help you with your case. We have offices in Hagerstown and Frederick, and we serve clients in Baltimore, Catonsville, Lutherville-Timonium, Towson, Hunt Valley, Potomac, Columbia, Germantown, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Rockville, Dundalk, Severn, and Annapolis. Speak with a truck accident attorney at the Poole Law Group at 301-790-3600 or contact us online for your free consultation.